Northrop's X47-B shot into air via catapult

Catapult launch

The second of two X-47B demonstrator drones that Northrop Grumman developed in San Diego was successfully launched into the air by a ground-to-air catapult during a test Nov. 29 at Patuxent, Md. The company released a video of the remotely controlled catapult launch, which is part of the Northrop's efforts to build unmanned combat air system (UCAS) drones that could be operated from aircraft carriers.

The first of the X-47B drones was recently placed on the carrier Harry S. Truman, where it is undergoing a series of tests. Northrop says that it is possible that an attempt will soon be made to launch that aircraft from a moving carrier for the first time.

Northrop says the video presented here shows "wireless ground handling and testing of X-47B Unmanned Combat Air System at Naval Air Station Patuxent River leading up to its first catapult launch Nov 29, 2012."